Update: Violations on Wood Packaging Material (WPM) Requirements

Non-Exempt Wood Packaging Material imported into the United States must be fumigated/heat treated at the approved facilities at the place of origin to prevent harmful timber pests from entering into the United States. Lack of appropriate IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention)-compliant markings or improper treatment of WPM will result in violation of the regulation; Emergency Action Notification will be issued to the responsible party (Importer, Carrier, Bonded Custodian). The regulation allows for immediate export but will not be allowed for fumigation or destruction in the U.S.; these will be the responsibility of the importer. If merchandise is feasible to be separated from the compliant merchandise, the importer of the merchadise shall bear all the cost associated with that separation of which is also subject to the government’s discretion.

Effective Date: November 1, 2017

Any documented violations of the Wood Packaging Material requirements under the IPPC in its International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15) will be penalized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The five violations policy will no longer be applicable under the new policy. There will no loger be yearly reset for calculating repeat violations as each WPM violation may incur a penalty.

Flegenheimer International would like to encourage our customers and importers to notify their supply chains about the ISPM 15 requirements and the issuance of these guideline as a consequence of violations.